Dear Parishioners,
This weekend, we hear of the transfiguration of Jesus. It might seem odd hearing this during the penitential season, but the Church reminds us that we are entering Lent because of the goodness of Christ. He give the apostles a glimpse of His divinity, and it reminds them that He is God, so prepares them for the scandal of the Cross. As we hear this episode, let it inspire us to remember that it is the Glory of Christ that inspires us.
This Thursday, of course, is the last day of Pope Benedict's papacy. He has certainly served the Church well, and these last eight years have certainly taken their toll on him. While disappointed to see him go, I am glad that he will be able to live the rest of his days in prayer and study as he has desired for so many years. We also began praying for the Cardinals as they gather for the conclave to elect the next pope.
These last weeks, there has been much written about the necessary changes in the Church. Everyone has their pets - whether it is a liberal or conservative stance. All the same, I like Pope Benedict's list of what must change: you and me! We are the Church, and so often we are the problem. Instead of listening to the Holy Spirit with a grasp of our spiritual heritage, we follow the whims of the world. Instead of giving an authentic witness of holiness and joy, we too often look too much like citizens of this world with no focus on eternity. Yes, we must change if the Church is to be strong. So, during this season of Lent, we ask the Lord to change our hearts.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Some great resources for confessions!
For some good examinations of conscience, check out this site. Look for the Confession Leaflets, and download and print the appropriate one!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Pastor's Notes for February 17
Dear Parishioners,
Our sympathy to the family of Stacy Daub. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
This week's announcement by Pope Benedict XVI certainly took me by surprise as he renunciates his position as Pope, so that someone more able bodied may lead the Church. Certainly, at the age of 85 and having seres the Church so well, it should not be a shock. Even before his election in 2005, he had expressed interest to retire from his position and to live the rest of his days in prayer and study. Certainly not a decision that he made lightly, he made it with profound humility and love. As we witness a conclave begin to elect his successor, we pray that the Holy Spirit will lead the cardinals to the right candidate who will boldly proclaim our faith. As of 1 pm on the 28th, we will no longer refer to Pope Benedict in the Eucharistic prayer, and with Catholics across the world, pray for the election of a new Pope.
Perhaps it is most appropriate that we enter the season of Lent with this prayer intention in addition to our 'normal' Lenten prayer. This is a season of self-denial and penance, when we, like Jesus Christ enter the desert of fasting and prayer. What will we find there? Perhaps a new temptation against which Christ is strengthening us; perhaps a new awareness of His love for us; it might be growth in a virtue. Whatever it is that Christ has prepared for us, let us walk boldly through this desert of Lent!
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Our sympathy to the family of Stacy Daub. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
This week's announcement by Pope Benedict XVI certainly took me by surprise as he renunciates his position as Pope, so that someone more able bodied may lead the Church. Certainly, at the age of 85 and having seres the Church so well, it should not be a shock. Even before his election in 2005, he had expressed interest to retire from his position and to live the rest of his days in prayer and study. Certainly not a decision that he made lightly, he made it with profound humility and love. As we witness a conclave begin to elect his successor, we pray that the Holy Spirit will lead the cardinals to the right candidate who will boldly proclaim our faith. As of 1 pm on the 28th, we will no longer refer to Pope Benedict in the Eucharistic prayer, and with Catholics across the world, pray for the election of a new Pope.
Perhaps it is most appropriate that we enter the season of Lent with this prayer intention in addition to our 'normal' Lenten prayer. This is a season of self-denial and penance, when we, like Jesus Christ enter the desert of fasting and prayer. What will we find there? Perhaps a new temptation against which Christ is strengthening us; perhaps a new awareness of His love for us; it might be growth in a virtue. Whatever it is that Christ has prepared for us, let us walk boldly through this desert of Lent!
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Lenten Texts from Margaret McHuch
Margaret McHugh, Director of Youth Ministry and Associate Director of Vocations of the Diocese of New Ulm, has set up a daily text message service . Text "Lent13" to 84576 to sign up.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Pastor's Notes for February 10
Dear Parishioners,
Our Sympathy to Fran and Larry Pitzl family on the death of their son-in-law Terry Harrington. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
This weekend is World Marriage Day (the second Sunday of February). It gives us yet another chance to thank God for the gift of marriage in which man and woman unite themselves in a partnership for life for the good of children. The still recent vote to define marriage thus, and the potential legislative action to redefine marriage as a sort of legal recognition of sexual partners (and little more), reminds us that this is not as self-evident as once thought. I am so pleased that there is a day to formally praise God, and to thank those husbands and wives who have lived the mystery of marriage in their lives and many years together. As a reminder, I am more than willing to give a formal blessing of married couples on your anniversaries, even if you are not having anything 'formal' otherwise. We need to continue to promote healthy marriages as the antidote to divorce, adultery, abuse, in addition to the attempted redefinition efforts. Just call me!
This Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, and Ash Wednesday is a day of fast for those 18-59 years of age, and abstinence from meat (as is Good Friday) for all over 14. Every Friday of Lent is also a day of abstinence. Fasting means one normal meal with perhaps two smaller meals as needed. Abstinence is for meat, but not necessarily of dairy, eggs, or foods made with animal fats. This Lenten season calls us to other acts of penance and almsgiving, too. These next few days, we should all take some time to reflect on areas of our lives that need Christ's healing, and chose a penance appropriate.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Our Sympathy to Fran and Larry Pitzl family on the death of their son-in-law Terry Harrington. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
This weekend is World Marriage Day (the second Sunday of February). It gives us yet another chance to thank God for the gift of marriage in which man and woman unite themselves in a partnership for life for the good of children. The still recent vote to define marriage thus, and the potential legislative action to redefine marriage as a sort of legal recognition of sexual partners (and little more), reminds us that this is not as self-evident as once thought. I am so pleased that there is a day to formally praise God, and to thank those husbands and wives who have lived the mystery of marriage in their lives and many years together. As a reminder, I am more than willing to give a formal blessing of married couples on your anniversaries, even if you are not having anything 'formal' otherwise. We need to continue to promote healthy marriages as the antidote to divorce, adultery, abuse, in addition to the attempted redefinition efforts. Just call me!
This Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, and Ash Wednesday is a day of fast for those 18-59 years of age, and abstinence from meat (as is Good Friday) for all over 14. Every Friday of Lent is also a day of abstinence. Fasting means one normal meal with perhaps two smaller meals as needed. Abstinence is for meat, but not necessarily of dairy, eggs, or foods made with animal fats. This Lenten season calls us to other acts of penance and almsgiving, too. These next few days, we should all take some time to reflect on areas of our lives that need Christ's healing, and chose a penance appropriate.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Pastor's Notes for February 3
Dear Parishioners,
Deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Lucille Ahrens. May she rest in peace. Her funeral will be Monday at 11 at St. Mary's, with visitation an hour prior. Note that there will not be a luncheon per family wishes.
This last week certainly was a busy one for our students and staff at St. Anne's School. I am so glad that we have this week to focus on the unique contributions of Catholic Education. With the Carnival this weekend, I am sure that we will really celebrate with fun and games. Thanks again, Dawn, Penny, Angie L and Shannon, Angie D, Connie, Tara, Vickie, Candy, Deb, Mary, Rene, Jane, and Kathy for your work commitment, and to all the volunteers like the Education Committee members, Patti and the library helpers, the Lunch room volunteers, and so many more. Certainly, it takes a whole parish/Area Faith Community to have a school. One fact that I heard this week that seems counterintuitive: Parishes with schools are LESS likely to run deficits. I am willing to bet that this has something to do with the whole notion of stewardship. As it takes so many people sharing time and talent to make the school work, it might spill over into the treasure portion of stewardships. Thanks, therefore, for all of your stewardship.
Next Wednesday is the beginning of Lent already. In addition to the lenten practices we have had such as Stations and confessions, we are encouraging you to pray for those who are not regularly practicing the faith. A form will be attached to the bulletin next week.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Lucille Ahrens. May she rest in peace. Her funeral will be Monday at 11 at St. Mary's, with visitation an hour prior. Note that there will not be a luncheon per family wishes.
This last week certainly was a busy one for our students and staff at St. Anne's School. I am so glad that we have this week to focus on the unique contributions of Catholic Education. With the Carnival this weekend, I am sure that we will really celebrate with fun and games. Thanks again, Dawn, Penny, Angie L and Shannon, Angie D, Connie, Tara, Vickie, Candy, Deb, Mary, Rene, Jane, and Kathy for your work commitment, and to all the volunteers like the Education Committee members, Patti and the library helpers, the Lunch room volunteers, and so many more. Certainly, it takes a whole parish/Area Faith Community to have a school. One fact that I heard this week that seems counterintuitive: Parishes with schools are LESS likely to run deficits. I am willing to bet that this has something to do with the whole notion of stewardship. As it takes so many people sharing time and talent to make the school work, it might spill over into the treasure portion of stewardships. Thanks, therefore, for all of your stewardship.
Next Wednesday is the beginning of Lent already. In addition to the lenten practices we have had such as Stations and confessions, we are encouraging you to pray for those who are not regularly practicing the faith. A form will be attached to the bulletin next week.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
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